Athletes

Sarah Bard

trails anywhere, USA

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What is your favorite quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training/racing/life?

"The way you live your days is the way you live your life" - Annie Dillard (This is something my friend, Julia Hanlon, shared with me last year when I was facing some difficult life choices.)

What was your favorite sport in middle school, and why?
I joined the cross country team because we got out of class early to sign up for sports one day and I decided that of the fall sports, cross country seemed the most reasonable. I didn't really know if I would actually participate, but each day I decided I'd stay one more day. I liked the people. I liked the challenge. Though then, I didn't really identify as a runner. Even when I moved to high school, I wasn't sure whether I'd participate in cross country the next year. But here I am, each day I come back. I am a runner.

Can you share your first sports bra experience?
Honestly, I can't recall my first sports bra. However, sports bras are really the only bras I've ever worn. I am fortunate that I don't really need a bra, but when I wear one it makes me feel both strong and feminine (and provides me with a great place to store my credit cards, gels, keys, etc.).

What is your absolute favorite piece of #flystyle and why?
I love all the Flyout tops. They are the perfect combination of form and function. The colors, both last season and current, have been unique and beautiful, but really it's been the performance that has impressed and excited me. I love how versatile they are - I've worn the long sleeve in cool (40 degree) weather, but also in 80 degree weather when I want to be cool, but also need some protection from the sun.

If you could give one piece of advice to a 12 year old girl, what would it be?
The hardest thing for me as a 12 year old, especially 21 years later looking back, was to have perspective. Our lives are long. We need to take care of ourselves; that means both challenging ourselves by pushing harder, reaching further, and expecting more, but it also means stepping back, taking a breath, and allowing our bodies and minds the time they need to heal. Workouts are designed to break us down a bit, but to be effective workouts need to be balanced with recovery so your body grows stronger. Life is the same way. You need to balance the challenge with the care.

Tell us about your favorite place you have ever traveled to:
Oh gosh, this is hard. Part of what I love about traveling, and which has affected how I feel about a particular place regardless of the nature or activity, is the increased reliance on the kindness of strangers. I love South Africa, and have had a number of experiences where the kindness of strangers has reminded me of the beauty of humanity. South Africa is a beautiful and diverse country. But it is definitely not a perfect place, and that is also what I love about it. It's made me uncomfortable. It's helped me learn.

What alternative career do you fantasize about?
I think I'm living it.

What is your superpower?
Actually, I always joke that my superpower is my ability to hold hot things. Carrying hot plates to the table, grabbing things out of the oven, etc. That's a weird 'superpower', but it's one that actually comes in quite handy in daily life, especially if you love cooking.